Policy Statement
USA Lacrosse is committed to protecting the integrity of lacrosse by maintaining a doping-free environment. We fully support the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) in promoting clean sport.
Scope
This policy applies to all athletes, athlete support personnel, and other stakeholders affiliated with USA Lacrosse National Teams and National Teams Development Program, including coaches, trainers, officials, and administrators.
Anti-Doping Rules
This policy adopts the anti-doping rules established by:
- The World Anti-Doping Code (WADC) (https://www.usada.org/about/world-anti-doping-code)
- The International Standards (https://www.wada-ama.org/en/what-we-do/international-standards)
- The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) (https://www.usada.org/)
- World Lacrosse (https://worldlacrosse.sport/about/anti-doping/)
Prohibited Substances and Methods
USA Lacrosse adheres to the WADA Prohibited List, updated annually. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders to stay informed about changes. The WADA Prohibited List can be found here - https://www.wada-ama.org/en/prohibited-list
Athlete Responsibilities
Athletes must adhere to all IOC, Pan Am Sports, APC, WADA, IF, USADA and USOPC anti-doping protocols, policies and procedures, as applicable. This includes participation in Out-of-Competition Testing as required by the IOC, Pan Am Sports, APC, WADA, IF, USADA and USOPC rules, as applicable.
Athletes must also commit to:
- Competing clean and upholding the principles of fair play
- Submitting to doping control when requested
- Maintaining whereabouts information if required
- Applying for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), as appropriate
- Avoiding association with individuals serving doping-related bans
Athlete Support Personnel Responsibilities
Anyone providing support to athletes must commit to:
- Supporting athletes in complying with anti-doping obligations
- Promoting clean sport values
- Reporting suspected anti-doping rule violations
Testing and Investigations
Testing will be conducted in accordance with WADA and USADA protocols, both in- and out-of-competition. World Lacrosse delegates the management of its anti-doping program to the International Testing Agency (ITA). USA Lacrosse does not conduct or perform the testing, however, we will cooperate fully with doping control officers from the ITA upon arrival.
Results Management
Any potential anti-doping rule violations will be managed according to the relevant rules of USADA and/or World Lacrosse. Sanctions may include disqualification, suspension, or bans.
Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs)
Athletes requiring the use of a prohibited substance or method for legitimate medical reasons must apply for a TUE in accordance with the WADA International Standard for TUEs. USA Lacrosse will facilitate the TUE process with any athlete requiring medication or medical procedures prohibited under the WADA Prohibited List due to illness or injury. TUE application forms will be provided to National Team physicians for completion if the administration of a prohibited medication becomes necessary during the course of an event. All TUE applications will be submitted to the International Testing Agency (ITA) for review and approval. A sample TUE form can be found here - https://ita.sport/resource/international-testing-agency-therapeutic-use-exemption-tue-application-form/
Education and Awareness
USA Lacrosse works through World Lacrosse to provide regular anti-doping education and outreach to athletes and support staff, including information about the risks of supplements and doping, through the International Testing Agency (https://ita.sport/).
Reporting Mechanisms
Suspected violations can be reported confidentially through the USADA Play Clean Tip Center: https://www.usada.org/playclean/
Sanctions and Disciplinary Action
Any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action in line with WADC sanctions. Appeals can be submitted through the USADA or World Lacrosse appeals process.
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or as needed to ensure ongoing compliance with anti-doping regulations.
Additional Resources
- USOPC Athlete Services: Anti-Doping - https://www.usopc.org/athlete-services/anti-doping
- USOPC Anti-Doping Overview (Ombuds) - https://www.usopc.org/ombuds/anti-doping
- Check your Medications - www.globaldro.com
- Check your Supplements - https://www.nsfsport.com/
- TUE Assistant - https://ita.sport/tue-assistant/
- WADA Anti-Doping Training - https://adel.wada-ama.org/learn/learning-plans/1/international-level-athletes-education-program-english
Appendices
Appendix A: Definitions
APC - Americas Paralympic Committee
IF - International Federation
IOC - International Olympic Committee
ITA - International Testing Agency
TUE - Therapeutic Use Exemption
USADA - United States Anti-Doping Agency
USOPC - United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee
WADA - World Anti-Doping Agency
WADC - World Anti-Doping Code